Digital display

ABSTRACT

A mobile telephone ( 1 ) comprises an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen ( 2 ) for visually displaying data items ( 2   a ), status and other relevant information to a user. The mobile telephone ( 1 ) includes a keypad ( 3 ) to enable a user to input information such as numbers or letters, and some functions of the telephone may also be accessed and/or selected by means of the keypad ( 3 ). The mobile telephone ( 1 ) further comprises a rotary scroller input means ( 4 ) located on the side of the telephone for convenient operation thereof by a user. The input means ( 4 ) is mounted in the housing of the telephone ( 1 ) such that only a portion ( 7 ) thereof is visible and accessible to the user externally of the telephone housing. The rest of the input means ( 4 ) is mounted within, and obscured by, the housing of the telephone ( 1 ). In fact, the ‘invisible’ portion of the input means ( 4 ) is located directly behind the display screen ( 2 ), with the axis of rotation ( 6 ) of the input means ( 4 ) being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the screen ( 2 ). The “invisible” portion of the input means ( 4 ) is represented (both visually and operationally) on the screen ( 2 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a digital display, and more particularly, to adigital display for providing a human interface in electronic apparatus,such as a mobile telephone, domestic appliance or the like, to display aplurality of items of data for review and/or selection by a user.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are many different types of electronic apparatus (portable orotherwise) available which include a digital display screen on whichmight be displayed a plurality of data items or options which can bereviewed and selected as required by a user. For example, mobiletelephones generally provide access to a wide range of services andfunctions from which a user can select. Selection is usually effectedusing cursor keys or the like incorporated in the keypad of the mobiletelephone, or a scroll wheel provided at a convenient position in thetelephone housing, operation of which causes a graphical element, suchas a highlighter bar or pointer, to move between the listed data itemson the screen.

However, the above-described arrangement is not particularlyuser-friendly, in the sense that there is conceptually and visuallylimited correlation between the operation of the cursor keys or scrollwheel and the resultant graphical display on the screen, and I have nowdevised an improved arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided electronic apparatus including a digital display means fordisplaying a plurality of data items thereon, the apparatus includingmechanical input means for scrolling through, highlighting and/orselecting one or more of said data items, means for producing anddisplaying a graphical representation of one or more components orelements, said graphical representation being representative of at leasta portion of said mechanical input means, or an imaginary portion,element or component thereof, and means for animating said graphicalrepresentation in accordance with mechanical operation of said inputmeans so as to at least provide an illusion of connectivity between saidinput means and said graphical representation.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided electronic apparatus including a digital display means fordisplaying a plurality of data items thereon, the apparatus includingmechanical input means for scrolling through, highlighting and/orselecting one or more of said data items, at least a portion of saidmechanical means being hidden or obscured from view externally of saidapparatus, said hidden or obscured portion of said mechanical means,and/or its mechanical operation when in use, being graphicallyrepresented and/or displayed on said display means.

The underlying concept of the present invention is thus a literal andanimated graphical link between a physical interface and the on-screengraphic being controlled thereby. This provides two main benefits overthe prior art, namely that it makes menu systems on (particularly) smallscreen devices more intuitive with more visual feedback, and that itcreates a stronger perceived link between external means and on-screeninformation.

Thus, the present invention concerns the graphical representation on adisplay screen of an input means. Some kind of visual representation ofthe mechanical input means is provided on the screen, whichrepresentation is animated to mimic or otherwise represent itsmechanical behaviour during operation, giving the impression that themechanical means and the animated graphic are in fact linked.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical input meansare preferably analogue input means, such as one or more rotating wheels(having their axis of rotation movement in line with and/orperpendicular to and/or at any other angle relative to the displayscreen), one or more sliders (with movement in any direction relative tothe screen plane, linear or otherwise), optical, field or otherproximity sensing (with such sensing being theoretically possible in anydirection relative to the screen plane), tilt or inclination sensing(again in any direction relative to the screen), etc. However, it willbe appreciated that whilst the input means may sense analogue movement,it may achieve this in a digital manner, for example, by the use ofoptical encoders on a rotating disk.

The animated screen graphic may be a representation of just theinvisible or obscured portion of the input means but it may in additioninclude a representation of all or part of the visible portion(s)thereof. The graphical representation of the input means need notnecessarily be true representation of the input means, but may includeor omit features thereof, while still giving the impression of amechanical/graphical link between the two. The animated screen graphicmay include additional graphical elements on or in association with thegraphical representation of the input means to give the impression of alink to other virtual elements or components.

A single electronic device may include one or more digital display meanseach including one or more input means and graphical representationsthereof.

The mechanical input means may be geographically offset from the planeof the display screen such that any visible portion of the input meansand its corresponding graphical representation appear to be lined up atthe normal angle of operation of the apparatus. Similarly, the graphicalrepresentation of the input means displayed on the screen may includeperspective and three-dimensional features so as to improve the realismof the graphical representation at least when viewed from the normal orusual angle of operation of the apparatus. Such perspective or threedimensional features may be exaggerated to enhance the illusion ofrealism and/or to contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the graphicenvironment.

Although the graphical representation of the input means as displayed onthe screen is beneficially of a similar size and scale to thecorresponding portion of the input means, so as to maximise the realismof the representation, a different scale or manner of operation of theinput means may be provided according to requirements.

Particularly, but not exclusively, in the event that the input means isnaturally entirely invisible externally of the apparatus, such as in thecase of a tilt, inclination, field or proximity sensing input means, thegraphical representation might be representative of its operation in theform of an action which is typical of the action or parameter beingsensed. Thus, in the case of a tilt sensing input means, for example, ananimated element such as a ball or the like may roll around the screenin accordance with the tilting of the apparatus. In this case, thelocation on the screen of the ‘virtual’ ball is preferably such that itindicates the data item which is currently highlighted for selection orreview. In the case of a proximity sensing input means, the graphicalrepresentation of its operation may, for example, comprise a ‘virtual’shadow which appears to pass over the screen as a user passes their handthereover. Again, the location of the shadow on the screen may beindicative of the data item which is currently highlighted for selectionor review.

It will be appreciated that the input means may comprise one or more ofa plurality of different types. For example, the input means maycomprise one or more sliders (linear, curved, complex curve movement,etc), or rotary sensors, for example.

Such sliders or rotary sensors may use:

-   1. Contact to electrically varying resistive element (gives analogue    electrical value).-   2. Pressure applied to strain measuring element (strain gauge,    changes electrical resistance).-   3. Light level sensing (light is reflected or varied by movement of    slider, this is sensed and converted into either power or resistive    electrical quantity).-   4. Incremental electrical contacts (a plurality of    contacts/electrical switches along movement axis).-   5. Multiple camon single electrical switch (slider has ridges or    similar and repetitively activates a single switch whilst moving,    this is counted to calculate position).-   6. Optical encoding (as above but repetitively breaking a light    beam) (a plurality of the above can assist in obtaining    direction/end point data).-   7. Magnetic switching (magnetic elements on or near sliding portion    can be sensed to give position data, reed switches or hall effect    sensing).-   8. Magnetic hynamo effect (moving magnetic in relation to coil to    create quantity of electrical power which can be measured).-   9. Piezoelectric effect (pressure upon piezoelectric crystals    creates measurable electrical charge which can be measured) (a few    can be used to simulate multiple cam effect described above).-   10. Capacitance proximity sensing (measuring position of object by    how much generated electric field is leaked through it, can sense    proximity and position of human body parts)(also similar is using a    leaking static charge).

The above can be mixed in many ways and can have more than one axis ofsensing, eg as in the case of a joystick.

Due to cost, reliability and power consumption issues in mobileelectronics in particular, options 1, 2, 4 and 5 above, might, in manycases, be considered to be most advantageous (in view of the fact thatthey do not generally increase the power consumption of the overallapparatus, although option 6 is also considered to be advantageous as itis very durable and offers great accuracy.

The apparatus beneficially includes computation means for determiningthe true position of the input means and equating such positionalinformation to means for altering the graphical representation thereofon the display screen.

Such computational means may comprise, for example:

-   1. Dedicated electronics. An electronic/electrical process can    interface input means to display such that the process lies in the    behaviour of the components rather than a software element. This    process could be digital or analogue.-   2. Programmable electronics. An electronic “processor” can interface    input means to display which uses software or “data” to    incrementally process the information. This processor can be    dedicated to the described function or in addition “process” other    calculations required for the operation of the device as a whole.-    This processor could generate the displayed graphics mathematically    or access pre-made graphics in digital formation from a data storage    area or device (memory), and of course, a mixture of these processes    can be used.-    Programmable electronics although primarily digital are available    now with analogue/digital and digital/analogue signal converters.    These often dedicated functions could be used if the sensing means    has an analogue electrical output. Some displays too offer effects    from an analogue input.

Additional (possible) computation/interface means:

-   3. Analogue or digital electronic elements/components may be used in    addition to primary computation means to “clean” or alter data from    input means such that it is in a format more readily “understood” by    computation means. Typical functions would be “de-bouncing” (getting    rid of contact noise) contact based sensing means, analogue to    digital converts (to turn analogue data from input means into a    digital form for a microprocessor/controller).-   4. As above but for interfacing processor to display. This element    may have its own processes to create electrical signals suitable for    the display. This element may also change the voltage or current    aspects of the incoming electrical data such that it is at a level    suitable for display device.

There can be other connections to all of these to activate otherprocesses, the function is not part of a closed system. Pressing inputmeans might also activate a back light or make a telephone call etc.This process could also be reversed in the sense that, for example, anincoming call could make graphic shake a little bit or re-activate aftera sleep period.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the sensing and display meanscould be designed/electrically connected such that no computation meansis required. For example, if a slider has ten incremental electricalcontacts independently activated as it moves, these, in conjunction witha power means, can directly drive pixels/shaped elements on a display.Other functions or a computational means could be connected to theinterconnection between input means and display to further process theposition information, but actually have no effect on the function of theidea.

The display means may be any one or more of the following:

-   1. Liquid crystal display. Uses uniform or shaped areas that    generally appear black when electrically activated. Can use    mask/filter effects to create illusion of colour. Can have    reflective elements so that graphic is observed against a backdrop    of reflected light. Could have a back light of some form. Could be    predominantly or partially transparent. Active areas alter level of    this transparency.-   2. Plurality of light emitting diodes (any shape). Could be in a    uniform matrix but not necessarily. Can use a range of colours.    Shape of individual LED may contribute part or a whole section of    displayed graphic.-   3. Vacuum display. A sealed transparent chamber which uses    electrical reaction with contained gas to create light. Emitters of    electrical charge can be shaped such that parts or whole graphics    may be displayed.-   4. Cathode ray tube. Monochrome/colour.-   5. Electro-luminescent segments shaped to form part or whole of    portion of graphic. Variety of colours possible. Often used as a    back light for LCD screens.-   6. Plasma displays.-   7. Light projector.-   8. Any other suitable display means.

Any of the above display means could be mixed, and/or filtered,reflected or optically altered in any other way such that the result isstill a representation of the mechanical input means.

The present invention can be used in any electronic apparatus having adigital display screen, including washing machines, central heatingcontrols, ovens, fridges, and other domestic appliances, electronictoys, game consoles, stereos (home/car/portable), television/stereoremote controls, and similar entertainment based appliances,clocks/watches, mobile/stationary telephones, PDA's, lap tops, etc.

It will be appreciated that the present invention substantiallyincreases the user-friendliness of any electronic apparatus having adigital display screen in the sense that it gives a conceptual andvisual correlation between the operation of the user-controlled inputmeans and the data items displayed on the screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way ofexamples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a mobile telephone according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the mobile telephone of FIG. 1, with aportion of the housing omitted to illustrate the location of themechanical input means in relation to the graphical representationthereof on the display screen;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic partial views of the mobile telephone ofFIG. 1, illustrating the possible operation of the input means;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side views of input means suitable for usein apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F are schematic diagrams to illustrate theoperation of position sensing means for use in sensing the position ofinput means in apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphs illustrating the electrical signal output bythe position sensing means of FIGS. 6A-6F, both before and after noiseelimination respectively;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main components ofapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation ofapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of a mobile telephone according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of a mobile telephone according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of a mobile telephone according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating some of the primary processingelements of apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 24 is a partial schematic front view of a mobile telephoneaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic front view of input means and display means ofapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view of input means and display means forapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic front view of input means and display means forapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic front view of input means and display means ofapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic front view of input means and display means ofapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic front view of input means and display means ofapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic front view of input means and display means ofapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is a partial schematic front view of input means and displaymeans according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the visual elementcreated by the display may be reflected by optical elements;

FIG. 34 is a schematic front view of input means and display means ofapparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 35 is a partial schematic front view of input means and displaymeans according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 36 is a partial schematic front view of input means and displaymeans according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 37 is a partial schematic front view of input means and displaymeans according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 38 is a partial schematic front view of input means and displaymeans according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 39 is a schematic front view of input means and display meansaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 40 is a schematic front view of input means and display meansaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a mobile telephone 1 comprises anLCD (liquid crystal display) screen 2 for visually displaying data items2 a, status and other relevant information to a user. In this case, thedisplay 2 is of a typical ‘pixel’ type on which text and graphics arerepresented by a combination of active picture elements or ‘pixels’. Ina manner typical of such devices, the visibility (or transparency) ofsuch pixels is controlled by an electrical input which renders eachpixel visible or invisible.

The mobile telephone 1 includes a keypad 3 to enable a user to inputinformation such as numbers or letters, and some functions of thetelephone may also be accessed and/or selected by means of the keypad 3.

The mobile telephone 1 further comprises a rotary scroller input means 4located on the side of the telephone for convenient operation thereof bya user. The input means 4 is mounted in the housing of the telephone 1such that only a portion 7 thereof is visible and accessible to the userexternally of the telephone housing. The rest of the input means 4 ismounted within, and obscured by, the housing of the telephone 1 (seeFIG. 2). In fact, the ‘invisible’ portion of the input means 4 islocated directly behind the display screen 2, with the axis of rotation6 of the input means 4 being substantially perpendicular to the plane ofthe screen 2.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the input means 4 has an additionaldirection of motion which is substantially parallel to the plane of thedisplay 2, as illustrated by the arrow 8. Pressure applied to the inputmeans 4 in the direction of arrow 8, causes the input means to move ashort distance in the direction of the arrow 8. The input means 4 ispreferably sprung such that withdrawal of such pressure therefrom causesit to return to its original position. As such, the input means 4 inthis case can be rotated and/or depressed, either independently orsimultaneously, by a user's thumb or forefinger, as illustrated in FIG.4 of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the rotary input means 4 comprisesa first disc member 13 and a second, smaller disc member 12, the twodiscs being mounted substantially concentrically about a common axis ofrotation 14. The larger disc member 13 is visible and accessible to theuser for interacting with the data items displayed on the screen of theelectronic apparatus. The smaller disc member 12 is provided withcircumferential ridges 15, which are substantially equidistant andextend along its edge in a direction which is substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of rotation 14.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-C, an elongate flexible strip 16 of electricallyconductive material (e.g. metal) is mounted such that an end thereofengages with or rests in a space between two adjacent ridges 15 of thesmaller disc member 12, as shown. As the disc member 12 rotates (due tomanual rotation of the larger disc member 13 by a user), the strip 16 isdeflected in a first 18 or second 19 direction (depending on thedirection of rotation of the input means 4), and it clears one of theridges forming the space within which it was resting, and springs ordrops back into the next space, as illustrated by FIG. 6B. Referring toFIG. 6C, two electrically conductive elements 20, having contacts 21,are provided on either side of the strip 16, at or adjacent the endopposite that which engages with the smaller disc 12. The elements 20are mounted such that one of them achieves electrical and physicalconnectivity with the strip 16 when it is deflected due to rotation ofthe input means 4, although they are not in contact with the strip whenthe input means is not in use, i.e. when the strip 16 is resting in oneof the spaces between adjacent ridges. It will be appreciated thatclockwise rotation of the input means will result in contact between thestrip and one of the conducting elements 20, whereas anticlockwiserotation will result in contact between the strip 16 and the otherconducting element 20.

A third conducting element 26 is provided proximate the end of the strip16 opposite the end which rests in the spaces between adjacent ridges ofthe smaller disc member 12. The strip 16 is, in fact, preferablyL-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E, the distal ends of the L-shapedmember being fixedly mounted. If the input means 4 (and, therefore, thedisc 12) is depressed by the user, corresponding pressure is applied tothe distal end of the strip 16 which rests in a space between adjacentridges of the disc 12, thereby forcing the major length portion of theL-shaped strip 16 to be pushed back and the angle between the two limbsof the strip 16 to be reduced, thus deflecting the corner 27 of theL-shaped strip and causing it to come into contact with the thirdconducting element 26, as shown. The strip 16 is resiliently flexible,such that when the input means 4 is released by the user, the strip 16springs back into shape and pushes the disc member 12 (and the rest ofthe input means 4) back to its original position (FIG. 6E).

Referring to FIG. 6F, the three conducting element 20, 26 areelectrically connected and physically held by solder joints 29, 30 on aprinted circuit board 31. It will be appreciated that the threeconducting elements 20, 26 and the flexible metal strip 16 arepreferably electrically connected to computation means (not shown). Thecombination and/or rate of connections made between the strip 16 and theelements 20,26 received by the computation means enables it to compute(and provide data in electrical form, i.e. switching signals,representative of) the direction of rotation of the input means 4, thespeed of rotation, the distance of rotation, pressure on the inputmeans, etc. The input means, flexible strip 16, conducting elements 20,26 and the computation means will be collectively referred tohereinafter as an “input device”.

Through electrical connections on the circuit board 31, the electricalswitching signals output by the computation means (as illustrated inFIG. 7A) are processed by a filter or the like comprising a mix ofpassive and active electrical components. It is well known in the art ofmechanical switches and the like that capacitive and resistive passivecomponents assist in “cleaning” the signal such that electrical noise 32and “contact bounce” 33 are reduced. The “clean” signal (as illustratedin FIG. 7B) is then input to a digital processing device ormicrocontroller 34 (see FIG. 8 of the drawings).

In addition to the other computational tasks required to be performedfor the apparatus as a whole, the microcontroller 34 processes thesignals produced by the input device. The direction and position of theinput means 4 during movement thereof by a user is calculated bycounting the electrical “pulses” from the input device. The speed of anysuch movement can be calculated by comparing the rate or frequency ofsuch “pulses” with an internal clock.

The values of the above-mentioned parameters can be compared withpredetermined criteria or threshold values, and further processes oractions may be activated in the event that the predetermined criteriaare matched, exceeded or not exceeded, as required. One such criteriamay result in the updating of graphics appearing on the screen of theapparatus in the event that any movement or change of position of theinput means 4 is detected. The electrical signal from the input devicein this exemplary embodiment of the present invention indicates a changeof position of the input means 4 (as opposed to its actual position),and the microcontroller is arranged to calculate the actual positionfrom its memory of the previous position together with the dataindicating a change of position.

Examples of such processes which may be activated in response to certaincriteria being met are:

-   -   the highlighting of certain areas on the screen    -   scrolling through data items in (for example) a virtual phone        book    -   activating (for example) a telephone call    -   etc.

The microcontroller also uses pre-programmed algorithms to generatedisplay data from the position data. The display data includesinformation that, when transmitted to the display screen, will cause itto create a graphic 35 which visually represents the input means 4(and/or its operation), as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. Theprogrammed algorithms re-calculate signals from the input device when achange has occurred in order to create an animated graphic which behaves“mechanically” in a similar fashion to the input means 4 under thecontrol of the user. The process occurs relatively rapidly such that thegraphic 35 appears to move at a speed substantially similar to theactual input means 4 with its visible portion and its graphicalrepresentation being substantially coordinated, the graphicalrepresentation 35 of the input means 4 appearing to rotate bysubstantially the same angle as the input means 4, as illustrated inFIG. 10 of the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings, the input means 4 is positionedsuch that a portion 39 thereof is behind the screen. The graphicrepresenting the obscured portion 39 of the input means 4 is alignedsuch that it appears to actually be the portion 39 of the input means 4obscured by the screen.

The graphic representation of the input means 4 may be visuallyanimatedly linked to other graphics and./or text displayed on thescreen. In this case, the graphically represented input means mayinclude a pointer or the like for indicating the data item 40 currentlyselected or highlighted on the screen.

An embodiment of the present invention has been described above by wayof example only and it will be apparent to a person skilled in the artthat modifications and variations can be made to the describedembodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention asdefined by the appended claims.

For example, FIG. 14 of the drawings illustrates a mobile telephone 50having a display screen 52 and two input means 54, one on each side ofthe screen 52. Both of the input means 54 comprise rotary discs, aportion 56 of each of which is obscured by the screen 52, and insteadgraphically and animatedly represented thereon. Either or both of theinput means 54 may be used to scroll through, highlight or select one ormore data items 58 from a plurality provided on the screen 52.

The invention is not intended to be limited with regard to thepercentage or size of portion of the input means which is represented onthe display screen. This may be dependent on one or more of a number ofdifferent factors, including the position of the input means relative tothe screen, as illustrated by FIG. 12 of the drawings. Further, theinvention is not intended to be limited with regard to the nature of theanimated representation of the input means provided on the screen. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 13 of the drawings, the graphicalrepresentation 60 of the input means 54 may suggest a mechanicalconnection therebetween, even though no such connection exists.

The graphical representation of the input means 54 may, of course,represent linear motion (as opposed to, or in addition to, rotarymotion), irrespective of the type of motion actually produced byactivation of the input means. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 ofthe drawings, the linear motion of the input means 54 may be accuratelyrepresented in the screen graphic 60. In fact, the input means may bearranged to move in a linear manner around the screen, i.e. around thecorners, in which case the animated motion of the graphicalrepresentation 60 may also involve such motion, as illustrated in FIG.18 of the drawings. The on-screen graphical representation 60 may beaccurately representative of an obscured portion of the input means 54,or it may simply be intended to give the impression of such, i.e. implya mechanical link between the visible input means 54 and one or morevirtual elements.

Further examples of the types of graphical representations which may bedisplayed on the screen are illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 of thedrawings. In FIG. 19, the data items 58 to be displayed may be providedon a graphically represented roller 62 on the screen. The input means 54is a rotary wheel, rotation of which results in corresponding rotationalmovement of the roller 62. In FIG. 20, the obscured portion of the inputmeans 54 is represented on the screen as a steering wheel 64 of avehicle, the remainder of the scene displayed on the screen beingrepresentative of a typical view through a vehicle windscreen. Again,the input means 54 is a rotary wheel or the like, rotation of whichresults in corresponding animated rotational movement of the steeringwheel 64 represented on the screen.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 of the drawings, the input means 54 may bepositionally offset from the plane of the screen such that the visibleportion of the input means and the graphical representation thereof lineup when viewed from an angle at which the apparatus is typically used.Further, the graphical representation of the input means may includeperspective and/or three-dimensional aspects such that the graphicalrepresentation is a substantially true representation of the input meanswhen viewed from an angle at which the apparatus is typically used.

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram illustrating some of the primaryprocess elements which may be included in apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The audio 70, keypad 72and radio 74 process functions are relatively standard elements incurrent mobile telephones and the like and, as such, will not bediscussed in any further detail herein. The sensing means 76, senses theposition, direction, speed, etc. of movement of the mechanical inputmeans of the apparatus, and its configuration will be dependent upon thenature of the input means itself. The computation means 78 is used for,among other things, determining the movement of the mechanical inputmeans, running the appropriate algorithms to generate correspondinggraphics and transmitting the respective outputs for display on thedisplay screen 80 of the apparatus. The memory 82 and the display driver84 are again relatively standard elements in current mobile telephonesand the like, and as such will not be discussed in any further detailherein.

Referring to FIG. 24 of the drawings, the input means may be styled in amanner not related to its function, but still be visually and/orbehaviourally related to the on-screen graphic.

Referring to FIG. 25 of the drawings, the input means 54 and/or itsoperation may be represented on two or more display screens.

Referring the FIG. 26 of the drawings, the input means 54 may berepresented on the display screen by a graphical element or component 90which is not actually a part of the physical input means, although it isanimated on the screen to represent the operation of the input means togive the visual impression that it is in fact part of the input means.

Referring to FIG. 27 of the drawings, the input means 54 may not movewith respect to the display screen. Instead, the display screen (andinput means) may move relative to a stationary input means. As such, theapparatus may be arranged to graphically display an element or component90 which is not actually a part of the physical input means (whetherinternal or external), although it appears to be a part of the external“input means” and is animated on the screen to represent the operationof such input means to give the visual impression that it is in factpart of such input means.

The display screen 100 may be partially or substantially transparent ortranslucent (see FIG. 28). Such transparency may be inactivated suchthat information can be displayed on a substantially opaque screen. As aresult, the image of the input means viewed on the screen may be amixture of actual input means with a “virtual” graphic overlaid.Selectively transparent liquid crystal displays are known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 29 of the drawings, portions of the image displayed onthe screen may be an inactive graphic, ie. painted on or a mask of someform, which may be an unbroken shape (a) or dots (b), for examples.

It will be appreciated that the graphical representation of the inputmeans may be distorted due to a relatively low screen resolution, asillustrated in FIG. 30 of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 31 of the drawings, the graphical representation maybe instructed from a series of specifically designed shapes which can beactivated electronically. In a preferred embodiment, there should beenough of such shapes to create a convincing analogue animation.

Referring to FIG. 32 of the drawings, the animated movement representedby the graphical representation of the input means may amplify truemovement of the physical input means. Alternatively, or in addition,movement of the graphical representation could indicate a “force”exerted on the input means, rather than its actual mechanical movement.

The visual element created by the display may be distorted, reflected,polarised, magnified or filtered in some way before reaching the user,as illustrated in FIG. 33 of the drawings. In this case, the input meansshould be correctly placed in terms of the final viewing angle, but notnecessarily in line with the actual means for producing visualinformation.

Referring to FIG. 34 of the drawings, the graphical representation ofthe input means may be rendered on a plurality of displays 100, 110,which combine to create a final graphic image. Graphics not related tothe input means representation may also be presented on one, some or allof the displays which combine in this manner.

Referring to FIG. 35 of the drawings, the graphical representation ofthe input means may alter visually to link more closely to othergraphics or data on different virtual pages displayed on the screen, iethe default first page may be very simple, the main menu page may have asimple simulated mechanical link to the input means, and again page mayhave a representation graphic with, for example, steering wheelattributes, or the like.

The graphical representation of the input means may disappear partiallyor entirely if the device as a whole goes into a power off or standbymode, as illustrated by FIG. 36 of the drawings. It may also be arrangedto partially or entirely disappear, distort etc. to make display spacefor other displayed information, for example, long SMS texts, WAPpictures, etc.

Referring to FIG. 37 of the drawings, the graphical representation ofthe input means may distort or move in a dissimilar manner to the inputmeans to create, for example, entertaining animation in certain cases,such as switching the power on and/or off, virtual page transitions,etc. This may also occur at predetermined intervals of time forentertainment purposes and the like.

FIG. 38 illustrates the case whereby data items are linked to andhighlighted according to the position of a pulley-like graphic on thescreen, the rotary operation of which appears to follow thecorresponding movement of the rotary input means.

FIG. 39 illustrates an example of the present invention when applied toa wristwatch or the like. Mechanical rotary or linear movement of thewatch face results in corresponding movement of the graphical displaythereon.

Finally, FIG. 40 illustrates an example of the present invention whenapplied to a washing machine or similar appliance. As shown mechanicalrotary movement of the dial results in a corresponding graphicalindication of the selected parameter (such as, in this case) washtemperature.

1. Electronic apparatus including a digital display means for displayinga plurality of data items thereon, the apparatus including mechanicalinput means for scrolling through, highlighting and/or selecting one ormore of said data items, means for producing and displaying a graphicalrepresentation of one or more components or elements, said graphicalrepresentation being representative of at least a portion of saidmechanical input means, or an imaginary portion, element or componentthereof, and means for animating said graphical representation inaccordance with mechanical operation of said input means so as to atleast provide an illusion of connectivity between said input means andsaid graphical representation.
 2. Electronic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the mechanical input means are analog input means. 3.Electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said analog inputmeans comprises one or more rotating wheels having their axis or axes ofrotation in line with and/or perpendicular to and/or any other axisrelative to said display screen.
 4. Electronic apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said mechanical input means comprises tilt and/orinclination sensing means, in any direction relative to said displayscreen.
 5. Electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the graphicalrepresentation of said input means is a representation of just theinvisible or obscured portion of the input means thereof.
 6. Electronicapparatus of claim 1, wherein the graphical representation of the inputmeans includes a representation of all or part of a visible portion ofsaid input means.
 7. Electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein thegraphical representation of the input means includes additionalgraphical elements on or in association with the graphicalrepresentation of the input means to give the impression of a mechanicallink to other virtual elements or components, which may berepresentative of mechanical elements which physically exist but areobscured, or elements which do not physically exist with their presencebeing implied by said graphical elements.
 8. Electronic apparatus ofclaim 1, including one or more digital display means each including oneor more input means and graphical representations thereof.
 9. Electronicapparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanical input means aregeographically offset from the plane of the display screen such that anyvisible portion of the input means and its corresponding graphicalrepresentation appear to be lined up at the normal angle of operation ofthe apparatus.
 10. Electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein thegraphical representation of the input means displayed on the screenincludes perspective and/or three dimensional features, which may beexaggerated to enhance the illusion of realism and/or to contribute tothe aesthetic appearance of the graphic environment.
 11. Electronicapparatus of claim 1, wherein the graphical representation of the inputmeans is representative of its operation in the form of an action whichis typical of the action or parameter being sensed.
 12. Electronicapparatus of claim 1, including computation means for determining thetrue position of the input means and equating such positionalinformation to means for altering the graphical representation thereofon the display screen.
 13. Electronic apparatus including a digitaldisplay means for displaying a plurality of data items thereon, theapparatus including mechanical input means for scrolling through,highlighting and/or selecting one or more of said data items, at least aportion of said mechanical means being hidden or obscured from viewexternally of said apparatus, said hidden or obscured portion of saidmechanical means, and/or its mechanical operation when in use, beinggraphically represented and/or displayed on said display means. 14.(canceled)
 15. Electronic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the analog inputmeans includes a slider.
 16. Electronic apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe slider is a linear slider, curved slider, complex curve movementslider.
 17. Electronic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the analog inputmeans comprises optical, proximity sensing.